The Bulls get Miller & Salmons from the Kings for Nocioni & Gooden

The Chicago Bulls announced today that the team has acquired center/forward Brad Miller and guard/forward John Salmons from the Sacramento Kings for forward Andrés Nocioni, forward/center Drew Gooden, forward Cedric Simmons and forward/center Michael Ruffin. In a related transaction, Sacramento traded Michael Ruffin to the Portland Trail Blazers for forward Ike Diogu. With this deal, Chicago’s roster now stands at 12.

“When we signed Andrés in 2004, he brought a toughness to our basketball team. He’s been a warrior, and a professional, since the day that he arrived. He has been one of my favorites to ever wear a Bulls uniform; and personally, it was difficult for me to move him,” said John Paxson, Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. “Drew played really well for us in the short time that he was here. It’s a tough part of the business when you are traded, and Drew has been traded a few times now, and that is never easy.” “Brad Miller is a skilled big man, who we feel will fit into many of the things that we run offensively.

He is a good shooter and passer, and has a natural feel for how to play the game. We feel that he will be a good complement to Joakim, Tyrus and Aaron on our front line,” added Paxson. “John Salmons will bring us tremendous versatility in the backcourt, and at the small forward position. He has good size and length, and has shown the ability to score this year. We feel he’s one of the most improved players in the league at this point of the season.”